Cape Town: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said that sometimes “things bigger than politics” happen when one steps outside the country. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi repeatedly attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government during his ongoing US visit. Addressing Indian-Americans in Santa Clara, US earlier this week, Gandhi, a former Congress party president and ex-MP, described Prime Minister Modi as a “specimen” and also attacked his government’s policies on various fronts. Speaking at an expatriate event in Cape Town after attending the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting, Jaishankar said he can speak for himself and does not do politics while traveling abroad.
“Look, I said I can only speak for myself, I try not to do politics when I go overseas.” In response to a question, he said, “I am fully prepared to argue and debate the house vehemently. Well, you will never find me weak in that regard.”
“But I think you know, even a democratic culture has a certain collective responsibility. There is a national interest, there is a collective image. Sometimes there are bigger things than politics and when you step outside the country I think it’s important to remember that.”
India’s top diplomat said, “So I differ strongly with somebody. I can tell you, I differ with them. But how do I counter it, I want to go back home and do it.” And I’ll have a look when I get back.” ,
Jaishankar said a part of Indian foreign policy today is focused on securing the welfare of Indian citizens abroad.
It was a pleasure to interact with the Indian community across South Africa.
spoke on 30 years of India-South Africa relations, of which he is a remarkable part;
15 years of BRICS and how it shaped the world; And
9 years of transformational change that India… pic.twitter.com/qqHUvtqlU6Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 3, 2023
He said that given the globalization of Indians today, it is important to put in place systems that respond to difficult situations.
“Sometimes they can be very country-specific. The situation was very bad in Sudan a few weeks ago, and we have 5,000 Indians who died last year, when the fighting started in Ukraine. We now have more than 20,000 Indians were. In fact, when I look at these last nine years, almost every year, we have a position somewhere.
“So, this is something that will continue to happen. And it is our fundamental obligation today to take care of Indian Indians. Working, living, traveling abroad,” he said.
“It can be something like providing a flight, it can sometimes be people who are stuck abroad, who don’t have money, who are stuck in cases, they can’t afford it. You know Unfortunately, we do have cases sometimes.” People will die,” he said.